myself, but unfortunately I undertook the task with only the preparation of one hour's sleep, and having in the course of five years never rode above two miles at a time, the twenty to London, and the idea of six or seven more to Greenwich in reserve, totally unfitted me for any action. Dr. Maskelyne was so kind as to take some pains to persuade me to go this morning to pay my respects to Sir Joseph, but I thought a woman who knows so little of the world ought not to aim at such an honour, but go home, where she ought to be, as soon as possible.
The letter which you sent, sir, to my brother, was the only one received at Slough in my absence; it arrived towards noon on the 16th, and was brought by a porter from an inn.
I hope you will excuse the trouble I give by sending this, though I know it is entirely useless, because Dr. Maskelyne had probably my memorandum which I took to Greenwich with him when he called in Soho Square, and therefore I can say nothing but what you, sir, are acquainted with already; but I shall be a little more comfortable when I can say to my brother I have written to Sir J. Banks concerning the comet.
With the utmost respect,
I remain, sir,
Your most obedient servant,
C. Herschel.
We are now reduced to the short diary-like entries in a small book entitled "Extracts from a Day-Book kept during the years 1797 and 1821," which begins: "1797, in October I went to lodge and board with one of my brother's workmen (Sprat), whose wife was to attend on me. My telescopes on the roof, to which
